EMPIRE DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 May 1916, Page 5

EMPIRE DAY.

OBSERVANCE IX SVDXJS.V [ By Ciible—Press Assoc'alion—Copyrlgni 1 . Received May 24, 11.20 p.m. Sydney, May 21 The weather was showery for Empire Day. There was a good display of bunting, otherwise the observance was a. a modified form. SIR DOUGLAS HAIGH'S MESSAGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Governor has received the following telegram from General Sir Douglas ; Haig, Commander-in-Chief of British forces in France:— "All ranks under my command in ; France join with' me in greetings on Empire Day to our fellow subjects throughout his Majesty's Dominions, representative of every part of those Dominions, bound together not only by ties of blood, but by similarity of ideals and loyalty to one Crown and one flag, Our armies are united heart fcrid soul in this grpat fight for freedom and, justice—old watchwords of our race. Confident in ourselves, in the ungrudging help and support of our kin throughout the world, and in our gallant Allies,' we look forward to certain victory." GENERAL JOFFRE'S MESSAGE. The Governor has also received a message, transmitted through General, Sir Douglas Haig, from General Joffre, which reads as follows: "On the occasion of Empire Day it is my good fortune to express to you the sentiments of high esteem and of cordial camaraderie which- the French armies feel for the valiant troops of India, of the Dominions, and of the colonies, whose fine conduct, and whose brilliant feats of arms on every field of battle where they have fought, they so much admire. I desire that you will transmit these sentiments to the officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of India, of the Dominions, and of the colonies with whom the French troops are fortunate enough to be fighting side by side for the same ideal." THE GOVERNOR'S REPLY* His Excellency has sent the following reply, addressed to General Sir Douglas Haig: "New Zealand, through me, thanks you for your inspiring message, and the Dominion is proud that her sons should be associated with all the gallant troops under your command, and eagerly watches all your doings, Please convey to General Joffre the grateful thanks of the people of these Islands for his kindly message, which he has sent through you. Please tell him that all New Zealanders deem it a great honor to he associated with the heroic French armies in the struggle to uphold everything which both nations hold dear." CELEBRATION IN NEW PLYMOUTH. Empire Day passed quietly in New Plymouth yesterday, flags flown from public buildings being the only outward sign of the occasion. In the afternoon a patriotic entertainment, organised by junior associates of the Victoria League, was held in the Good Templar Hall. There was a good attendance, - comprising principally seiool-children. The object of the entertainment was a worthy patriotic one/ A short time ago it wtls decided to or-' ganise in London an Overseas Club for soldiers from the distant parts of the Umpire who are serving at the front, and a suggestion which was readily taken up was that branches of the Victoria League in different parts of i the Empire should raise funds for furnishing individual rooms. The members of the New Plymouth branch of the League have set out to provide the means of furnishing one room, which will be known as "the New Plymouth (N.Z.) Room," and the proceeds of yesterday's entertainment will provide the foundation for the fund. It is expected that between £l3 and £l4 will be realised. The proceedings opened with the saluting of the Union Jack, which Was hoisted by a troop of Boy Snouts, who 1 were present in strong force under the command of Major Sandford. Captain Harthell, who has returned from the front, then addressed the gathering. His remarks sounded the note of a widespread Empire joined together by common interests and ideals, and he instilled the spirit of Empire into the children. During the afternoon a silhouette guessing competition was held, and was won by Mrs. F. S. Johns. The following musical programme, which was much appreciated, was given :•-* Song, "Brothers," Central School members; recitation,, "The Pied Piper," the Rev. A. H. Colvile; pianoforte duet, Viva Johns and Freda Hirst (Chetwode pupils); recitation "The Hell Gate of 1 Sossons." Edna Mount; violin- solo, Eileen Mnnnix (Sacred Heart Convent); 1 Song of the Flags, West End members;, recitation, "The Recruits," Kenneth Nenl.